Recommended Compact Cars with the Roomiest, Most Comfortable Interiors Per Consumer Reports Testing

For Compact Car Shoppers Wanting Space and Comfort

According to a recent Consumer Reports analysis of new cars, there’s good news for compact car shoppers who are discovering that you do not have to have a honking big SUV if you have kids to transport and places to go on a long trip just because cabin room and truck space appear to be make or break issues for potential compact car buyers.

Related article: Consumer Reports Lists the Most Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs

In fact, they report that “…A compact sedan can do many of the same things an SUV can do, while returning better fuel economy and with a more comfortable ride, an inviting driver’s seat, and plenty of rear legroom.”

To back up their claim, CR analysts have done the work for you by personally measuring the interiors of vehicles and having test subjects enter and exit both front and rear seats to physically determine how easy or difficult the process is for a variety of body builds.

The result of the measuring and testing is their recommended list of compact cars they found that are roomy, and comfortable and easy enough to go in and out of without significant struggle. All the selected vehicles are those without reliability issues and are noted as to whether currently popular safety features come standard or are optional.

That said, here is a summary of the list that includes price range, fuel economy, relative cargo space rating, safety features, and at least one noted feature that makes each model stand out pro or con as a compact car.

Please note the following safety feature abbreviations used:

• FCW---forward collision warning
• BSW---blind spot warning
• AEB---automatic emergency braking
• LKA---lane Keeping Assistance
• LDW---lane departure warning

Related article: SUVs With the Roomiest and Most Comfortable Interiors Per Consumer Reports Testing

Compact Cars with the Roomiest and Most Comfortable Interiors

1. 2022 Nissan Sentra
Price Range: $19,810 - $22,400
CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 22 / Hwy 44 mpg
Rating: #2 of 12 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 4/5
Safety Features: Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 is standard and includes FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW.
Notable Feature: Roomy rear seating area almost as large as the front seating area.

2. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta
Price Range: $20,365 - $28,095
CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 21 / Hwy 54 mpg
Rating: #5 of 12 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 4/5
Safety Features: Standard active safety features include AEB, FCW, and BSW.
Notable Feature: The rear seat is roomy and supportive, with plenty of foot and leg room.

3. 2022 Honda Civic
Price Range: $22,350 - $29,850
CR MPG: Overall 33 / City 23 / Hwy 44 mpg
Rating: #6 of 12 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning (LDW), and lane keeping assist (LKA) are standard; however, BSW and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are available only on the top trims.
Notable Feature: This model’s low-slung stance makes it awkward to get in and out.

4. 2022 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $20,425 - $28,710
CR MPG: Overall 33 / City 23 / Hwy 45 mpg
Rating: #4 of 12 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, LDW, and LKA are standard, but BSW is just optional.
Notable Feature: Getting in and out is a little challenging, but CR analysts assure consumers that “…once inside the Corolla is quite roomy.”

5. 2022 Hyundai Elantra
Price Range: $20,200 - $33,650
CR MPG: Overall 33 / City 21 / Hwy 49 mpg
Rating: #3 of 12 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW are standard.
Notable Feature: Seat comfort is so-so unless buyers get the pricier Limited trim

6. 2022 Subaru Impreza
Price Range: $18,795 - $26,395
CR MPG: Overall 30 / City 21 / Hwy 41 mpg
Rating: #1 of 12 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: Unfortunately, Subaru is not at its best when it comes to safety features that are lacking in some trims and models. According to CR analysts, “The EyeSight system of active safety features, which includes FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection, is standard with the automatic transmission but unavailable with the manual gearbox. BSW is part of an option package but isn't available on the base trim.”
Notable Feature: The current Impreza sedan and hatchback, are now among the top-rated cars in the compact class.

7. 2022 Mazda 3
Price Range: $20,800 - $34,400
CR MPG: Overall 30 / City 20 / Hwy 44 mpg
Rating: #7 of 12 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: FCW and AEB are standard, and BSW is optional.
Selling Feature: Rather than sporty as in earlier models, this one is described as “…more mature offering with an elegant, quiet interior and a refined ride.”

And finally…

For additional articles about Consumer Reports recommended vehicles, here are two pieces related to compact cars and small trucks to consider:

• Consumer Reports Lists What's New in Small Pickup Trucks

• Popular Compact Cars That are Winners and Losers According to Consumer Reports Automotive Experts

COMING UP NEXT: Why Car Maintenance and Repair is So High Today, Says This Mechanic

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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